Maple Leafs Surprise Everyone With Last-Minute Roster Move Before Season Opener
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a roster move involving one of their rookies, meaning that it looks like perhaps Easton Cowan may make his NHL debut.
Wednesday evening kicks off the Toronto Maple Leafs' season as they take on their most heated rivals, Montreal, to get the 2025 campaign started.
But for one player who was expected to be on the roster, Jacob Quillan, his appearance on the roster seemed to be more of a formality than anything concrete, as the team has demoted Quillan to the AHL ahead of Wednesday's game:
That means that highly touted prospect Easton Cowan is expected to make his NHL debut after being recalled.
Brad Treliving's Smart Cap Strategy Behind the Maple Leafs' Surprise Roster Move
It makes sense given that Craig Berube had revealed the team had a plan for Cowan, and GM Brad Treliving wasn't really indicating that Cowan wasn't going to be with the team, but also didn't say that he had earned the spot either; he was quite coy.
Quillan's inclusion on the roster was more of a financial move as opposed to performance based on either his or Cowan's end, and with Toronto seemingly set in their roster and comfortable with the cap; it's his time.
As well it should be too. Nothing against Quillan but Cowan has impressed everyone from top to bottom in the organization, and while there's a good chance he can dominate the AHL, the only way to go is up.
So they may as well keep him here and see what he can offer, and considering that Craig Berube thinks he can do a lot; who knows what the team has is store for him.
How Easton Cowan Forced the Maple Leafs' Hand With His Preseason Performance
Cowan had two points in five preseason games and really found his stride as part of the fourth line with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. Instead he'll have Nic Roy as opposed to Laughton due to his injury, but that's not a terrible replacement at all.
We will have to see how Cowan will line up against Montreal, however there is certainly going to be a focus on the youth on Wednesday night, as not only is Cowan skating but a lot of eyes will be on the Habs' Ivan Demidov.
Toronto faces the Canadiens at home in Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. The game is scheduled to start at 7PM ET.
For those interested in watching the game, it will be broadcast on Sportsnet in Canada, in the US it will be on ESPN+, and those in Quebec can catch the game on TVA Sports.
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